Once
you’ve decided on the style of ceremony you’re looking for, talk to your
officiant about finding readings and other ceremony elements from that
tradition or style of ceremony. While not every ceremony can be easily
categorized as being civil, religious, interfaith or “alternative” (nor should
they) for the sake of simplicity, this guide will use these categories as an
overview to the basic types of ceremonies available to make it easier to create
a ceremony with the help of your officiant.
Weddings may consist of readings, rituals, meditations, prayers, homilies, advice, poems, scriptures, songs, music, and more. At the very least it is a public declaration of the matrimonial commitment. For those seeking simplicity and shortness in their ceremony, be careful to avoid making the ceremony too short, which would disrupt the solemnity of the occasion. At the opposite end of the spectrum, it is important to avoid the temptation to overdo it, by keeping the ceremony within a time frame that does not tax the attention span of your guests. Your officiant will help you in finding this balance.